bikerboy - are you super sensitive to motion sickness? That's the only reason I'd think the transmission would be a "problem."
The newer vehicles - even end of 2008 model year - are better shifting than the first many Smarts coming off the line where more of the complaints you've seen on the board are focused. Chances are the new Smarts no longer have a strong complaint from the average driver who may not even notice how "bad" the lag is. It really is just the tranny shifting for you like a manual.
I wouldn't consider the engine a POS. It's 71hp versus the 450's 40hp. I could drive up the 6%+ grades in the mountains from Oregon to California and back at 65 in 3rd gear as long as I want (in 100+ degree heat, no less) with the AC blasting; that is if I didn't manage to hold it in 4th at 75. The car's got enough getup and go that I don't worry about merging or taking off from a stop onto a fast-moving road.
The car is a superb little commuter with all the comfort and room I need. The 10-12 hours each way from Portland to San Fransisco and back was more pleasant than many other long drives I've taken in my life. My 40 minutes average each way in my daily trek to and from work is a simple journey, if not for the annoyance of dense traffic where my Smart performs just as well as my BMW Z4 did for the years before.
Notice the difference - bikerboy took a test drive and got the standard first impression blues, and has read complaints from some other people. Everyone else here has owned their Smarts and the majority say "what lag?"
Translation: The car needs a few hundred miles to train the driver. After that, you love it or hate it. Almost everyone loves it.
If you're driving a Smart and experience actual shifting lag, there's a 99% chance you're driving it like "every other car." It's not every other car, and after a day of ownership you'll understand exactly what that means. Rule #1: It's not an automatic. It's a manual.
I'm at 2,200 miles and have no noticable lag... mine was an 8/08 production. I never really noticed a terrible lag in it unless I am being lazy and not lifting to shift. In fact, I prefer this over a regular automatic.
That being said, I'm still curious how a 12 valve DOHC Inline 3 with VVT, a timing chain, 71 horsepower and 68 lb/ft of torque with low maintenance needs, a high oil capacity (relative to size), and low NVH (for a 3 cylinder) can be considered a POS by anyone with the slightest bit of technical knowledge...
Biker boy-- My Smart car is my commuter car, I traded a Grand Cherokee for it. We also have a 2007 Honda Fit, which is superior over the Smart in every way. It shifts like butter on a baby's bottom. Ride on rails too. The Smart is fun, cute, people wave, gets maybe 6 more miles per gallon then my Fit. We take the little car everywhere. I have lots of room in my garage now with both them. You get used to how little Smart car shifts. Use the paddle shifter, and the floor shifter, it will be fine. A little lag between 1&2. No big deal. Just buy the little car.
I'm at 2,200 miles and have no noticable lag... mine was an 8/08 production. I never really noticed a terrible lag in it unless I am being lazy and not lifting to shift. In fact, I prefer this over a regular automatic.
That being said, I'm still curious how a 12 valve DOHC Inline 3 with VVT, a timing chain, 71 horsepower and 68 lb/ft of torque with low maintenance needs, a high oil capacity (relative to size), and low NVH (for a 3 cylinder) can be considered a POS by anyone with the slightest bit of technical knowledge...
That being said, I'm still curious how a 12 valve DOHC Inline 3 with VVT, a timing chain, 71 horsepower and 68 lb/ft of torque with low maintenance needs, a high oil capacity (relative to size), and low NVH (for a 3 cylinder) can be considered a POS by anyone with the slightest bit of technical knowledge...
Okay, fine, perhaps I was being too harsh on the little fellow, but I mean there are 600cc engines putting out more than 100hp now a days. I need a second (longer) test drive anyways. My first "test drive" SUCKED! The route didn't allow me to go faster than 20mph and it lasted less than five minutes.
Bikerboy: You only drove the car 20 mph and for less than five minute!!!!! Go drive the car for real. You might like it. Try it in drive, drive+/-, and with paddle shifter +/-. Make your own call on how it shifts. I drove 3 smart cars before buying, they all shifted the same, to me. It feels just like a manual.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
tmater
Today
Linear Mode
